Turkish gas exploration to continue in Cypriot waters as Ankara, Athens discuss
Shortly after pausing gas-exploration activities near Greek islands to facilitate Ankara-Athens negotiations on disputed maritime boundaries, Turkey sent a NAVTEX message indicating another research vessel would seek gas near Cyprus.
ISTANBUL — Tensions over disputed tracts of the eastern Mediterranean continue despite an apparent pause in Turkish exploration activities Tuesday to facilitate Ankara-Athens negotiations over shared maritime boundaries.
Hours after Turkish officials called off gas exploration activities near the Greek island of Kastellorizo, Ankara issued a NAVTEX message reserving an area inside Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone to conduct hydrocarbon research until Sept. 20.
The news comes after Turkish navy vessels withdrew Monday from Greek waters that Ankara claims are part of its continental shelf, in an move to de-escalate recent tensions through reportedly Berlin-mediated talks between the neighboring states.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin said he was prepared to sit at the negotiation table with counterparts in Athens during an interview with CNN Turk Tuesday.
